ONE of the youngest candidates to ever stand for election to Essex County Council is hoping to "make his town great again."

At the tender age of 18, Aaron Hammond will contest the county council seat for his hometown of Harwich.

The UKIP candidate said he decided to stand for election as the council "continues to overlook" Harwich and Dovercourt.

He will fight to take the seat from long-standing Labour councillor Ivan Henderson, who has represented Harwich since 2013.

Voting will take place on Thursday, May 4.

Mr Hammond said: "As probably the youngest candidate ever to stand for Essex County Council, I represent a voice for the youth, parents and the elderly.

"I need votes to enable me to fight for the resources that our community deserves.

"Together we can fight to improve investment in Harwich, keep our town clean and tidy and proud and I pledge to do everything in my power to achieve that goal.

"If you feel as I do, betrayed by the political classes, then together we can fight to make a difference.

"A vote for me will help to make Harwich and Dovercourt great again."

The young candidate has had a keen interest in politics since he moved to Harwich and says he is "driven" to do something for the community.

"Harwich has a rich history and heritage and I believe in promoting this and building on the existing tourist infrastructure to encourage more visitors to come and contribute to the local economy," he said.

"I will also fight to encourage businesses to move to and invest in Harwich and Dovercourt, which will increase local jobs."

He added: "I stand for improvements to our local medical services and social care; keeping our local fire station fully operational; improvements and repair of our roads, pavements and footpaths; a return to resident fair waste management; and reinstatement of night-time street lighting.

"I have an open and receptive mind and represent a fresh, new start with a positive community ethos.

"I believe in a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous Harwich and Dovercourt, and I want to help make that happen."